James Turner Barclay (1807-1874), a physician and pioneering Stone-Campbell Movement missionary, helped to organize the congregation.

[7] Pastor Stephanie, who previously served as the first Executive Minister at Park Avenue Christian Church and who served as the First-Vice Moderator of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) from 2019 to 2023,[8] is a dynamic preacher,[9] profound justice seeker, leading podcaster, and published author.

[10][11] The large neoclassical church building was designed by John Russell Pope and completed in 1930.

[12] The structure has a "monumental character" typical of Pope's style and seen in his other works, such as the Jefferson Memorial.

"[13] The church "features stained glass windows commemorating the two presidents associated with the denomination, James Garfield and Lyndon Johnson.

[18] James Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, was a member of National City Christian Church in one of its previous buildings.

The ouster of Jackson followed the resignation or firings of some two dozen church staffers, and the development of a deep intra-congregational dispute.

The losses from Reynolds' embezzlement scheme caused serious damage to the church's financial health.